101 – Introduction to Producing & Directing (8.5 Semester Credits)
In this course students will be introduced to and practice the language of cinema and core techniques of visual storytelling. Students will develop an ability to appropiately use technical and formal cinematic elements to convey meaning through montage and fictional film. This course will cover fundamentals of film directing and producing through lectures, hands-on workshops and supervised studio/lab time. Students will learn the three stages of filmmaking: pre-production, production and post-production. Each student will complete a 2-3 minute visual montage and a 4-6 minute short fiction film, both of which will be formally screened and reviewed in class.
(Prerequisites: none)

102 – Creative Writing: Intro to Screenwriting (3 Semester Credits)
This course will center on the writing process; developing dramatic story lines, creating interesting characters, writing first drafts, re-writing and analyzing professional screenplays/stories. It will cover story structure, character, plot and dialogue. At the end of this course, students will complete an original short scene/story in proper screenplay format, demonstrate an ability to critique work and develop the ability to create and articulate a story idea in a narrative synopsis and logline.
(Prerequisites: none)

103 – Introduction to Digital Cinematography (2 Semester Credits)
This course will introduce students to the art and craft of digital cinematography. In film, the camera is one of the main tools used for storytelling. Students will learn shot composition, film lighting techniques (natural and 3-point), digital cinema cameras, using professional grip equipment, and moving the camera (dolly and jib techniques). Students shoot on Canon C-100s, use an array of lighting from tungsten to LED to flourescent, utilize Mathews grip equipment, and become proficient with professional tripods, dolly, slider, and jib.
(Prerequisites: none)

104 – Introduction to the Craft of Editing (2 Semester Credits)
In this class, we will examine the historical role and development of editing-from the silent era to contemporary digial cinema. Students will study the various theories of editing, editing terminology and concepts; learning both the rules of continuity editing and how to break them. The role of aesthetics as a cultural and ideological force will be examined. Students will achieve a solid understanding of the technological workflow of post-production using Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Media Encoder. (Prerequisites: none)

105 – Introduction to Audio for Film (2 Semester Credits)
This course is a straightforward and personal approach to learning the ins and outs of the audio production and post production pipeline and associated processes used within the motion picture, television, and new media industries today. This class offers the student knowledge on the history, technologies, and processes of audio as a storytelling medium. Whether or not audio is a career path, the student will understand the production, language, problems and ultimately, the power of sound. This class will provide hands-on experience in planning, production and finalization of the motion picture soundtrack. The course is presented through lectures, presentations, hands-on recording and editing workshops.
(Prerequisites: none)

106 – Psychology and the Creative Mind (3 Semester Credits)
This course will identify theoretical underpinnings of the major areas of psychology; including personality, social and environmental influences, development and physiology of behavior. Students will learn the different models of human behavior and human meaning-making as they relate to aesthetic experience and the psychosocial impact of films. The objective of this course is to develop a deeper understanding of the influence of the filmmaker’s personal psychology on his/her own creative process. (This is a general education class with no prerequisites.)

116 – Introduction to Computer Science (3 Semester Credits)
This course will cover introductory programming skills, knowledge of augmented reality and gaming concepts, and file and time resource management skills. Students will complete projects and presentations in this practical-based computer science course.
(This is a general education class with no prerequisites.)

126 – Introduction to Statistics (3 Semester Credits)
This is an introductory course that assumes no prior knowledge of statistics. Real-world examples will be used to teach students basic statistical concepts and methods that emphasize understating the principles of data collection and analysis. Students will explore the areas in which statistical analysis is used in the entertainment industry.
(This is a general education class with no prerequisites.)

201 – Documentary Producing and Directing (8.5 Semester Credits)
In this course students will gain an in-depth understanding of the history and modes of non-fiction filmmaking, as well as ethical considerations of the medium. Students will develop an ability to appropriately use technical and formal cinematic elements to convey meaning through film. Each student will develop a written project proposal that includes an understanding of their personal investment in the story, why the film is important within current broader social, cultural and political contexts, who their intended audience is and what they would like the film to accomplish once it is released into the world. Each student will complete a 5-8 minute non-fiction film, to be formally screened and reviewed in class.
(Prerequisites: 103, 104, 105)

202 – Advanced Creative Writing (2 Semester Credits)
Lectures in this course will center on the writing process; developing dramatic storylines, creating compelling characters, writing exercises, re-writing and analyzing professional screenplays/stories. Workshops will help develop skills to become a more proficient writer. Students will develop a working understanding of the elements of the story, the skill to create and execute a story idea, and learn how to critique a story/screenplay. (Prerequisites: none)

204 – Motion Graphics (2 Semester Credits)
An introductory course in motion graphics using Adobe After Effects, which includes the categories of commercial, broadcast, main title and music video. The course will include lectures, showcases and demonstrations of the history, techniques and applications of motion graphics in broadcast media. Projects will cover basic motion graphics principles, design and synchronization. Appropriate and current industry standard computer applications will be introduced and applied. Motion graphics also hopes to situate video/animation (and related media) in broader cultural, social and aesthetic contexts.
(Prerequisites: 104)

206 – History of Film (2 Semester Credits)
Knowing the history of cinema is essential to being a filmmaker and content creator. Students will acquire a critical, technical, and aesthetic vocabulary relating to cinematic practices, structures and genres. Students will develop a greater understanding of how films reflect and influence political, social and cultural contexts of any given time. Upon completion of this course students will gain an historical appreciation of film based on a survey of cinematic traditions contained within both narrative and experimental forms.
(Prerequisites: none)

301 – Commercial/VR 360 Producing and Directing (8.5 Semester Credits)
Students in this course will be introduced to the fundamentals of advertising and commercials. Students will develop an ability to appropriately use technical and formal cinematic elements to sell products and create promotional videos. The fundamentals of directing and producing commercials will be taught through lectures, hands-on workshops and supervised studio/lab time. Each student will gain experience working with clients, learn the basics of virtual reality and 360-degree filmmaking. Students will complete a professional quality 30-second web commercial for a real-world client, as well as, a short virtual reality 360 degree film.
(Prerequisites: 103, 104, 105)

302 – Advanced Screenwriting (2 Semester Credits)
Students in this course will advance their writing skills and complete a screenplay for a thesis project. Students will pitch their projects to the class instructor, outline their story and write a logline/synopsis, write a first draft of their screenplays and revise their script. At the end of this course, students will be able to write a complete screenplay that will be the basis of their thesis project and adapt that screenplay into a shooting script.
(Prerequisites: 102)

303 – Intermediate Digital Cinematography (2 Semester Credits)
Delving deeper into the craft of cinematography, this course will cover the basic use and understanding of 4K cinema cameras – both Sony and RED. Students will learn shooting “green screen” (one of the fundamentals of VFX cinematography); explore commercial cinematography by practicing techniques in “hero” and “beauty” shots; and gain knowledge of advanced movement including gimbals and the “Ronin”. During the course, students will complete a series of hands-on exercises ensuring that they develop their skills as cinematographers and visual storytellers.
(Prerequisites: 103)

305 – Advanced Audio for Film (2 Semester Credits)
This course is a more in-depth examination and approach to the ins and outs of the advanced audio production and post-production pipeline used within the motion picture, television, and new media industries today. It offers the student knowledge and practical experience with the technologies and processes as well as further demonstrates the importance of audio as a storytelling medium. The student will understand and gain experience in the production, language, and problems of sound. This class will provide the student advanced hands on experience in planning, production and finalization of the motion picture soundtrack. The course is presented through lectures, presentations, hands-on recording and editing workshops.
(Prerequisites: 105)

401 – Advanced Producing and Directing (8.5 Semester Credits)
Students will explore and practice advanced techniques of producing and directing, delve deep into the craft of casting and directing actors, earn the skills necessary to be a professional producer and director, and participate in seminars with working professionals in all areas of filmmaking including: production designers, casting directors, 1st AD’s, gaffers, directors of photography and editors. Each student will complete at 10-15 minute thesis film designed to go to film festivals, showcase student talent, and be an integral part of their demo reel. Students will also be challenged to develop their vision for a successful creative career in film, television or content creation.
(Prerequisites: 201, 202, 301, 302)

402 – Business of Film (2 Semester Credits)
This course will outline the business of filmmaking. It explores the filmmaker’s role in developing, producing, and distributing a film. Students will be instructed on creating a demo reel/portfolio. Students will also learn the best ways to present yourself for employment in the industry.
(Prerequisites: none)

403 – Advanced Digital Cinematography (2 Semester Credits)
This course provides a deeper understanding of light, politics of the film set, and the professional filmmaking world. Students will go in-depth into what it takes to become a professional cinematographer, completing a series of hands-on, on-set workshop in lighting & camera work. The class instructor will be supported by guest professionals including grips, gaffers and cinematographers.
(Prerequisites: 303)

404 – Advanced Editing (2 Semester Credits)
This class will provide students with an advanced workshop/seminar for thesis project editing support. Students will engage in a deeper examination of the various facets of editing and assistant editing in a longer form – both aesthetically and technically. The course will further examine the historical role and development of editing alongside psychological approaches to the practice of editing. Students will gain further knowledge of the various theories and advanced editing concepts, take a more sustained and critical look at the role of aesthetics as a cultural and ideological force, and achieve a mastery of the technological workflow of post-production using Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Media Encoder.
(Prerequisites: 204)